Community bids poignant farewell to Waterford's Daniel 'Danky' Collins

There was widespread shock and sadness across Waterford but especially in St. Paul’s Community circles following the unexpected death of Daniel 'Danky' Collins, who died at the age of 30 on Thursday, October 3, which has left a devastating impact on all that knew him well.

A native of Kilmallock in Limerick, Danky, as he was affectionately known, was born on July 4, 1994, and raised in the Parish where he resided at Larchville. He had a love of the area, the football club, the hairdressers, and even the local takeaway.

There was only standing room inside St Paul’s Church for his funeral Mass as flanked by a guard of honour from his beloved St Paul’s FC, his remains were carried to the altar for a celebration of his life, that was celebrated by Monsignor Pat Fitzgerald, PP, St Paul’s and Butlerstown.

DARK CLOUD OF SHOCK AND SADNESS

Gathering underneath “a dark cloud of shock and sadness” symbols representing the life of the much-loved son of Linda and Pat were brought to the altar, including his St Paul’s soccer jersey, his passport, the dog lead of his canine friend Marley, and a remote control for the X-box.

In his homily, Monsignor Fitzgerald said Daniel’s impact on the lives of so many was “greatly demonstrated by the large crowd that are here in the church to support his grief-stricken family”.

He added: “We can only imagine what it’s like to lose someone at such a young age in such an unexpected way. We gather with a community of friends who are in a state of sorrow and shock at the sudden death of Daniel at the age of 30.

“It seems to make very little sense that we should be saying goodbye to him at such an age. Truly it never seems to fit that a mother and father should be laying their child to rest. We offer to you, his family, our deepest sympathies, our support and our prayers.”

Monsignor Fitzgerald went onto remember Daniel as a man who had “a great personality, character, a unique and irreplaceable place among you all.”

Educated at St Paul’s Primary School before moving on to St Paul’s Community College, Fr Fitzgerald continued: “Even at a young age, he loved life and was content in the enjoyment of many simple pleasures and pastimes.

“He was a much-loved member of the workforce of Dawn Pork and Bacon. He was fanatical about football, both as a player with St Saviours and St Paul’s, but also as a supporter of Chelsea, Eindhoven, and god knows who else.”

A LOVE OF ALL THINGS SIMPLE

His love of travel, the gym, walking and the company of friends was also fondly remembered by the local Parish Priest.

“Danky loved to travel. He travelled to England and the continent for many matches. He also volunteered in the fans' shop at the RSC for Waterford FC matches. He was also a great fan of Conor McGregor and UFC.

“A regular visitor to the gym, Danky loved to walk. Often in the company of his much-loved dog Marley. He made friends easily and loved the company of family, friends, and workmates. He had personality to burn, a great sense of humour, and a ready wit.

“He wasn’t afraid of hard work and he had some very close friends, who enjoyed his company and shared his interests. 

"He had a mighty appetite for takeaways, pringles, jellies, and chocolate. It’s clear that he had a clear love of life. We say a fond goodbye to a young man, who left a big impact in our community.”

AN EMOTIONAL GOODBYE

In an emotional final goodbye to his best friend, David Weldon said: “My first early memory of Danky was getting hauled out of school before the 2002 World Cup to watch Ireland play in Paddy Browne’s with our mothers! 

“I suppose before Danky finished primary school, he was a Manchester United fan, but Chelsea and all their money spent an undisclosed amount to get him to jump ship. It worked because only a couple of months later, they won the league.

“He got to meet one of his heroes, James McCarthy on a trip to Manchester when we were in fifth year. He loved work in Dawn Meats and he relied on Anto to drive him over.” 

David added that he had an affection for mackerel, his dog Marley, and his love of the Parish.

“According to his close friend Stevie Keating, he had a bit of a soft spot for mackerel and was known as Mr Mackerel in the Keating household. He was very reluctant to share a bit of garlic dip with Marley – his best friend.

“He was a Parish man, he went to school here, shopped in Tesco, got his haircut in Just For Men, played football in the Parish, and even his favourite takeaway was in the Parish. He had a simple life and did everything on his own terms.

“The only time that I saw him stressed is when he’d have to buy his nephews or Hazel a present in town. He enjoyed a bottle of Kopparberg, a smoke, and watching three-cog Keating getting sent off up in the field. He loved watching boxing, MMA, bareknuckle boxing, and all combat sport.”

TOUCHED THE HEART OF MANY

David also remembered with fondness spending 11 nights in Cologne with Danky and how they were looking forward to returning there in the future. He also remembered spending his 30th birthday recently with their German friend Nicholas.

He concluded to the lyrics of Rhianna’s Umbrella. “He touched the hearts of so many people. Tomorrow is never promised. Before I finish, Danky had a secret soft spot for Taylor Swift and Rhianna.

“Danky, When the sun shines, we’ll shine together; Told you I’ll be here forever; Said I’ll always be your friend; Took an oath, I’m a stick it out to the end; Now that it’s raining more than ever; Know that we’ll still have each other. Thank you for being an amazing part of my life for almost 30 years.”

Music was rendered at the funeral Mass by Sarah Jane Lavery, accompanied on piano by David Hayes, with Daniel's remains carried from the church to the strains of Rhianna’s Umbrella before he was laid to rest at St Otteran’s Cemetery.

Daniel will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Linda and John (Pat), his brother Craigh; Linda’s partner Paul, Craigh’s partner Ciara, nephews Dylan and Harry, his grandmothers Ann Gleeson and Ann Collins, aunts, uncles, cousins, all of his extended family and friends, especially his cherished dog Marley. May he rest in peace.